Richland County Fishing Report—August 2016
By Wayne Morgenthaler
Currently water levels are excellent for all types of fishing. The rain has finally stopped and the fishing has been great on the Wisconsin River for catfish. The best baits are stink bait and night crawlers fished near the bottom near deep holes or dead trees along the shoreline. Surface baits used during the last hour before sunset will bring good action for smallmouth bass.
The Wisconsin River backwaters are providing some super fishing the last two hours before sunset or two hours after sunrise for pan fish. Waxworms fished with a small bobber about a foot down will do the trick. I like to use an ice fishing lure tipped with the waxworm and no sinker. Northern pike and bass are liking top water lures fished at a slow speed. Algae are in full bloom and making it tough to fish some of the small backwaters. Mosquitoes are moderate and not bad once you get out on the water. I heard my first whippoorwill last night in about 10 years. I hope they make a good come back.
Trout fishing reports have been good as the streams are moderately clear with shady spots and pools being the hot spots. Also, look for any streams or small springs coming in from the side. Panther Martins will yellow dots seem to be the hot bait this month.
Crappie Shop located on the edge of Arena on Highway 14 is a great place for all your spring and summer fishing needs. Their address is 300 Dalogasa Drive, Arena, WI or you can call 608-753-2727 or emailcrappieshop@yahoo.com. They offer a wonderful assortment of live bait, catfish bait, and fishing lures for pan fish, bass, pike, trout, and catfish. They have the largest display of liquor, beer and wines in the River Valley area. They also carry groceries, apparel and pet supplies. If you want food while out on the river or backwaters, they offer an excellent take out menu, including a Friday all day fish fry. Give them a try, and I am sure you will make it one of your regular stops.